A House of Representatives panel voted on Tuesday to name the Kennedy Center opera house after First Lady Melania Trump.
If the bill containing the proposal gets through Congress, the theater would be named the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.”
The move is part of the House Appropriations Committee’s 2026 fiscal year spending bill for the interior and environment. It would also fund Washington D.C.’s iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Appropriations Committee voted 33-25 to okay the name change. For the amendment to be enacted, both chambers of Congress, the House and the Senate, would have to vote a yes to the proposal.
“This designation is an excellent way to recognize her support and commitment to promoting the arts,” said Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, said about the First Lady’s contribution to culture.
“As Chairman…I am proud to honor her support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities,” he added.
Congress member Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, opposed the change.
Democrats allege that President Donald Trump wants power to run the Kennedy Center “with very little oversight” from Congress.
However, Congressman Simpson’s communications director Lexi Hamel told CBS News that the renaming was not requested by the Trump Administration.
Follow for more: Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkeIn
Huma Nisar is Associate Editor at Views and News
